Ahhh. It’s already that time of year again. Time to thaw from the freezing cold of winter, prepare for the Austin sunshine, and head out for another jam-packed year at SXSW. The mecca of music discovery, SXSW is gearing up to provide yet another unforgettable week of amazing showcases. From Waterloo, down 6th Street, all the way to Red 7, the world’s best talent will be filling downtown Austin for all to consume.

Rumors are leaking out of south-central Texas almost hourly, making it near-impossible for some to keep up — but what we can confirm for you today is what we believe are the 5 must-see showcases at SXSW. Follow the jump to read our take on the best of the rest at this year’s music portion of SXSW and be sure to stay glued to the site for more SXSW music and film-related coverage to come as we approach the festival.

The Windish Agency and House of Vans Annual Day Party at Mohawk

Friday, March 14, 12 p.m. – 6pm @ Mohawk

The Windish Agency probably work with your favorite band. Their roster includes The 1975, Andrew WK, Animal Collective, Run the Jewels, M83, MØ, CHVRCHES, and so many more acts…it should make your head spin. It comes as no surprise that their SXSW showcase is nothing short of incredible. It has two stages, outdoor and an indoor, both with stacked lineups ranging from the next big names in top 40 pop to indie and even some orchestral pop as well. You’ll find Phantogram headlining the outdoor stage and they’re joined by a slew of fantastic smaller acts. UTG favorite Tove Lo will be playing one of her many SXSW shows (the Scandipop queen’s debut US performances), London collective Jungle are bound to get you grooving, and the eight members in San Fermin will charm you with their unique blend of classical and pop. The indoor stage has some smaller, but equally great acts, including Chet Faker, Bad Suns, Brooklyn trio Wet, and Mas Ysa. Make your way to the Mohawk at 912 Red River Street any time from 12pm – 6pm on Friday, March 14, and you’re sure to find a new favorite artist — or see someone you already adore! — Tarynn Law, White Girl Dance Corner Columnist

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Dr. Martens At SXSW

Thursday, March 14 and Friday, March 15, 3 p.m. – 1 a.m. @ Bar 96

Aside from making the best boots in the business, Dr. Martens is traditionally known for throwing stellar SXSW showcases, and after peeking this year’s lineup, it goes unprecedented that this tradition has continued. The Dr. Martens and Filter Magazine showcase spans Thursday, March 13 and Friday, March 14, highlighting acts such as together PANGEA (my personal cannot miss), Real Estate, and Band Of Skulls, all of whom are making tremendous waves in the industry. And some of the up-and-comers such as Sir Sly, Prides, and Bipolar Sunshine are sure to garner slews of new fans as well. This showcase will prove to be both diverse and eye-opening, with promises of discovering one of your favorite new artists of the year. — Matthew Leimkuehler, Music Editor

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Waterloo Records SXSW 2014 Day Parties

Wednesday, March 12 – Saturday March 16, 12 p.m. – 6 p.m. @ Waterloo Records

A bit off of the beaten path but entirely worth the journey, the day parties at Waterloo Records are as stacked as ever this year. Into nasty and rage-ready punk rock? Waterloo has you covered with Radkey. Into a white girl dance party? Waterloo has you covered with The 1975. Into ridiculously fun indie-rock? Waterloo has you covered with Speedy Ortiz. Oh and it mustn’t be forgotten — if you get bored in between sets, you can step inside the best record store in Texas and thumb through all the great wax. If you need any more convincing then you are probably planning on attending the wrong festival. — Matthew Leimkuehler, Music Editor 

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Stereogum SXSW 2014 Day Party

Thursday, March 14, 12 p.m. – 6 p.m. @ Mohawk

Stereogum never fails in being your big brother with the shaggy hair and too cool ‘tude. You know, the one who seems to know everything about anything cool, jabs you and your friends in the ribs, and can pull off some weird outfits, but at the end of the day just wants to make you happy. That’s what their SXSW showcase is like. They’re pulling together scratchy noise-makers Perfect Pussy and Cloud Nothings alongside the quieter sweethearts The Pains of Being Pure at Heart and Mutual Benefit. Their mix is top notch and just ahead of the curve enough for you to be able to brag about seeing these bands first. And just to prove their too cool status, they’re partnering with House of Vans. Yeah, that’s what we thought; we’ll see you there.  — Nina Corcoran, News & Review Writer.

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HM “The Music For Good” SXSW Showcase

Wednesday, March 12, 2 p.m. @ The Ranch

Hardcore-centric showcases are pretty hard to come by at SXSW, so any bill that boasts at least a couple of heavier bands is an immediate blip on my radar. It’s been over three years since Sleeping Giant have released new music, and since this will be among one of the band’s first shows since recording their latest album, there’s a high likelihood that this group will be giving their Austin audience a sneak preview of what’s to come on LP #4. Right behind them on the lineup comes ’68, who will be playing their first show ever as a band, and if you’ve ever seen The Chariot’s live performance, then you have at least an idea of the insanity that’s to come. — Adrian Garza, News & Review Writer